davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
wAsHlNGroN's FAMILY COACH.

His cup of happiness seemed full. To a
correspondent in London he wrote shortly
after his marriage: II am now, l believe,
fixed in this spot with an agreeable partner
for life; and hope to lind more happiness
in retirement than | ever experienced i'll
the wide and busting world"
He was not blessed with children of his
own, but he dearly loved the Gusts chill.
dren and looked upon them and treated
them as his own.
He gave personal supervision to his large
estate, was methodical and exact in all his
WAYS. and was careful to make his planta-
ton profitable. He usually rose at four
O'clock in the morning the year round,
spending the time before breakfast in Wis
ting his stables and kennels, and in his
library After breakfast in the busy sea-
sons he would mount his horse riding ten
or twelve miles to visit every place on his
farms where work was going on, often Civ
ing directions in detail to his overseers.
His usual hour for retirement was nine
o'clock, summer and winter
He grew tobacco and shipped 1T TO En-
gland. His wheat he manufactured into
-four in his own mills, and shipped it
principally to the West Indies, where his
brand had great reputation for Its high
quality.
Like other wealthy colonists of the time
Washington sent 10 London for almost ev-
cry article of domestic use, from farming
implements to clothes for himself and his
family Oae order for a SUIT for himself is
interesting. 81 want neither lace nor en-
broidery Plain clothes, with gold or sill
YER buttons, II worn on genteel dress, are
all TINT I desira l inclOse a measure. and
for further direction think 1t not amiss
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

Walking boots are frequently made with
cloth uppcrs, finished or with patent leather.
Tho huftuned boot continues 60 represent the
populur one, although laccl boots are I"rn.is-
siLlo. 4 walking boot which /, finding high
favor Just now, is Of glove kid, with patent
feather fpxing aud medium heels. Equally
fashionable are the boots made with l"bblcd
goat uppers and patent leather finish. Ladies
nave learned the importance Of Walking IN
boots with low heels, and these prevail TO a
lar,c extent on shoes made for outdoor wear.
High shoes for house wear are, however,
still largely made with the high curved
French heel or notifications of this uncom-
Portable style; 50 are low shoes and slippers
Tor evening wear.
Bronze shoes made in open work leather
over colored silk and fastened either with
bows or buckles are worn with visiting tot
hts
For ncGligee wear nre furnished wonder
iul assortment In way OF colorcd silk mules
and French kid shoes. Numbered with com
forts for bed room and sick room are felt
shoes and slippers, which are noiseless, warm
and durable At night these shoes have no
equal, for they eau he changed 10 leather shoes
without danger OF taking cold, being made
Of purn wool
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

well rs into the navy. An extract from
tac letter, which Is dated from London,
May -, iiii, ~ rs follows:
understand that you are advised ana
have some thoughts of putting your son
George 10 sea. think he had better bs
put apprentice TO a tinker for a common
sal or cforc the mast has ~ no means the
common liberty of the subject; for they
will pres, him from ship to snip, VIII r. he
has fifty shilling, a month, and make him
take TWEEN y.three, and cut and slash and
use him like negro, or, rather, like dog
and as 10 any considerable prcferment IN
the navy, 1t Is not to be expected, as there
are always 80 many gaping tor IT here, who
have interest, and h has uoue.n
II was probably this vigorous piece OF
writing that Influenced both George and
his mother to give up the idea of u soa-
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
Economical Furnishing.

The following suggestions are made with "A
view of assisting IN the comfortable furnish
ing Of a small home at n moderate cost Body
Brussels carpet, which wears WELL Is very suit
able for the parlor or rooms that do not re
quirc to I've swept every day. The prevailing
price is from 81 tojl25 n yard, but bargain
may often be met with III remnants OF rolls
which have been marks. down.
A more economical floor covering il tapestry
at seventy-fve cents yard, this, too, is
more easily swept and cleaned. For bed
rooms, in place Of carpets, may be substituted
good mating at twenty five cents yard,
This. with rugs laid down in front Of the bed
and bureau, will answer very well,
A handsome cabinet IN which to place brio
brac will be found u pleasing addition to
ones parlor An inexpensive and at the same
time attractive one may be made, says The
Decorator, of ordinary pine When the
frame is made give it Il coating of enamel
pnint, then varmiSh with clear varnish Be
fore the latter is dry, place on the panels
small pressed ferns, tastefully arranged.
When dry, paint the ferns very carefully
with gold paint The result will resemble n
japanese cabinet to n limited extent,
Medium priced, scrviceahle upholstery
goods are shown in great variety Probably
the most popular Of any one style is the goods
known 10 the trade AS petit point IL Is
firm, durable, in I'm excellent assortment OF
colors, aud i, among the most desirable of all
middle grade uphostc y fabrics for regular
service Some Of the finer qualities resemhlc
tapestry when seen at II little distance, aud rs
the demand for them increases, more pains Is
taken to bring them out in choice designs and
artistic combinations of color
Where strictest economy rules, very pretty
effects can ba gained by covering furniture
with some OF the crctOnnes. At twenty-five
! cents yard one can buy cretonne IN artistic
colorings, and designs that clcverly slmuat,
| expensive tapestry fabrics.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
OUR WASHINGTON.
He Still Lives In tho Hearts OF AL
True Americans.
Interesting sketch Commemorative Of His
Natal Day--iIIs Eventual Life from
Boyhood to Old Age, AS Civilian,
Soldier and Statesman.
I,-IsONIIODD,

The birthdays Of great citizens are the
proper festivals Of a Republic. The annual
meditation upon great career stimulates
the national mind and heart, ami while
there is always q tendency % i.ft u hero
above the range OF humanity, II is the hui
manity in him that makes his example ami
mating and encouraging TO us. To make a
dcmi-g god Of u man il TO place him beyOI d
imitation. To reveal h IN as man Is 70
show what man can achieve
II illustrates how fast hold Washin 3
ton had on the popular heart and the revcr.
cnce in which he was held, that the cello
bra,ion OF his birthday commenced Mt the
clos, Of the Revolutionary war. The first
public celebration Of the event was on tho
18th OF February, l74, his first brthdly
utter the treaty of peace with Great Brit.
ain, and from that day 70 this, period of
one hundred and three years, 1t has been a
day set apart in the American calcn lar
He must have been very great man u
whom contemporaries would accord such
an honor.
II IL the purpose Of tn S sketch 10 blu IA
away the cob webs OF fable and tradition
that have more or less obscured the real
Washington, and to attempt TO show HIM
as he really was, "a man.
Ia Bible of Washngton's mother, which
is stlll preserved, there appears tho follow
ing entry:
George Washington, son to August ne
and Mary, his wife, was born ye lllh day
Of February 49,, about ten Ia the morn
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
SPECIMEN or wAsHINGros's PIArH.

generally ended in dinner at Mount Yer
non or some other Of the mansions OF tho
fine gentry of the neighborhood.
Guests, especially sportsmcn, were enter
tanned at Mount Vernon for weeks during
the hunting season, and the round OF visit
ing and enjoyment went on in this way for
years IN u style and at an expense which
only wealthy planter could afford.
Mr. and Mrs Washington also attended
balls and parties gwen by wealthy people
at Alexandria and Annapolis They were
fond oftheatriCa. performanccs which were
given sometimes by strolling companies in
those cit IS and at Williamsburg, and they
were particular too in all their church
duties Washington being vestryman III
two parishes.
In short he lived and enjoyed himself
much after the fashion Of "A rich landed
English country gentleman of the time.
lie had been elected member OF tho
Virginia Hou Of Burgesses first in lbs,
and continued member year after year
He hal large influence in that body, but no
taste or ability for pubic speaking, He
was Judge also of the county court,
thoroughly public spirited and progressive
man. lie proposed numerous measures FOR
public improvements, explored the Dismal
Swamp, ami originated the methods after
wards adopted for its Improvement And
thus year after year he grew in favor with
all the people, and soon began TO be looked
upon as the foremost Virgnian OF the
time.
He was in favor OF the first Continental
Congress- and was one Of the three dele
gates that represented Virginia in that
memorable body in the fail OF INA.
At this period there was very littla
thought in the minds of any Of the colonists
of separation from Great Britain, the one
burning thought being no submission to
the tyranny OF parliament They still be-
leved themselves loyal subjects OF the
King, and their petitions and remon-
strances were couched in bold, but loyal
language But events moved faster than
thought. The spring of l,75 saw success
lively Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.
On the day before the battle of Bunker
Hi, the 10Th Of June, lI15, the Continental
Congress in session at Philadelphia adopted
the motley host half besieging the British
General, Gage, at Boston, as the Cont
mental Army" and elected Colonel George
Washington to be its COMMANDMENT Chief.
He accepted this h Oh trust on the conf ition
that he should receive no compensation Tor
his services, only having his necessary eX'
peuses paid He at once left Philadelphia
and reached Cambridge on the 81 OF July,
where he formally assumed command OF
the army.
For the space OF six years he did not
again see his beloved Mount Vernon.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

been critics who have denied to Washing
ton the merits of a great commander, ana
il NAV be conceded that he was not a
Caesar. a Frederick nor Napoleon. But
he was undoubtedly the right man IN the
right place. With the meaps at his disposal
ne ACCOMPLISHED what is universally con-
coded neither of those great soldiers could
have accomplished, Out of mob he or
gan zcd an army; out OF defeat he Wrung
victory and independence, Noone can rise
from "A perusal of the history of the revolu-
ton without feeling that for six years the
cause depended solely upon him, that the
whole weight was upon his shoulders, and
that if he had failed, when all else seemed
to fail, Great Britain would have con-
quered.
The army ne found at Cambridge was
such only in name. 1t was without dlscl-
pine, without clothing and without ammu-
tiou 1t was little better than amob, every
man was as good as every other, with Ut
tie thought of obedience to orders, and
general disposition to put every question
and plan to a vote, as in town meeting. For
months they had not powder enough to
have fought half an hour with General
Gage and his eleven thousand well-armed
and disciplined British troops. Such as
they were, when Washington took com
mand, they numbered fourteen thousand
men.
He subjected them to military discipline,
he brought some order out Of the chaos,
he cashiered and otherwise punished few
officers, and he finally forced the British
army to evacuate the city in March, 1I18
more daring or brilliant General might,
possibly, have accomplished this result
some months sooner but such temper
and spirit could never have borpe the sue
cessive burden and difficulties which re-
manned to be encountered and dealt with
Now came into prominence the great at
tributes of his mind, his constancy and
patience His whole nature was under
perfect seli-control He had naturally a
passionate temper. Several bouts OF his
wrath have been described TO US, ard, on
occasion, he could use swift and very hot
expletives to give force TO his feelings, but
during his command of the army he never
lost sight of his responsibility to the houu-
try Nor could cabals in Congress, nor de-
feats in the field, turn him from his 6rm
and resolute purpose to at last conquer
He met with rcverses on the field, but
never emerged from one without immedi-.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

WASHINGTON AT FORTY. a cham OF lOrts 10 eS-
tend from Montreal by way of the ONO
river TO New Orleans. Virginia also laid
claim to a large part Of the northwestern
country To see what the French were
doing and to protect il possible the rights of
Virginia, Governor Dinwidde dispatched
Major Washington on mission TO Fort Erie
in the northwestern corner OF Pennsylvania
in the fail of 1888. II was an expedition
involving much peril and hardship, and re-
uuircd courage and vigilance for its per
Torrance.
He had to cross rugged mountains piled
with SHOWS to ford rivers filed with float
ing ice, to fini his way through unbroken
forests and to keep on friendly terms with
the savages He made his way to where
Pittsburgh now stands and noted its ex-
ccllent position for frontier fort. Then
proceeded up the Allegheny river, and
finally reached Fort Erie, where he deliv-
cred the Governor communication to the
commandaut. Receiving a sealed answer,
he returned, undergoing still greater
faugues and dangers, being once thrown
from his raft into the Allegheny amid the
floating ice, but finally returning in safety
to Williamsburg, where he reported to
the Governor, and received the thanks of
the GOV rnOr ana the touuCll. ms "TRIP
made him familiar with the country that
was 10 be the scene of his first battle.
The answer Of the French commandant
was not satisfactory to Governor DmWtd-
die, and lac set about on raising military
force to take possession of the country at
the junction Of the Monongahela and ALE.
ghauy rivers. A regiment of six compa-
mes was recruited, and the command Of
ferrd to W ashington, but he refused, ac-
Ccptug the rank Of second in command, "A
gentleman named Fry being appointed
Colonel. Before the regiment was well on
its way, Colonel Fry fell sick and died, and
the full command devolved on Washing.
ton. He sent a portion of the command
rapidly forward to build a fort at the june
ton eff the Monongahela and Allegheny
rivers, and this was partially accomplished
when thousand French and Indians came
down the Allegheny and took possession of
1t, permitting the Virgnians to go back and
rejoin Washington. The French named it
Fort DuquesEe.
The French then continued their move
ment against Washington, who prepared
Cor them at place called Great Meadows,
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

A pudding which presents an attractive ap-
pearancc, in addition to furnishing al appc
ti2ing dessert, may bo made by using pink
boiled custard with the yelk of four eggs, n
pint of milk and sugar to taste. Soak II third
of box of gelatme in a little cold water
then pour over it three fourths of u cup Of
boiling water. When the custard IL cold add
to it the gelatine and the whites u! four eggs,
beaten stiff Flavor with vanilla, stir to-
gether and pour into a mold. II will settle
into three layers, making an attractive pud-
ding Of delicate flavor. 1t is equally good
when ordinary gelntine is usel.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
ALL AROUND THE HOUSE.
Upstairs, Downstairs, In Kitchen ana In
the Lady's Parlor.

The early part Of the day is tho time for
eating fruit. The adagc, "Gold at morning,
silver at noon and lend nt night" has
scientific basis. The natural acidity OF fruit
acting upon the empty stomach is "chol-
gognen for the torpid liver of which most
Americans are the victims II often occurs
tina, persons with active brains find 1t impos-
sible 10 eat uncookcd fruit, and for this class
is advised fruit stewed or baked and mod
erntcly swcctcned.
Good housekecpers very properly class APP
pies first in value There Is no more health
ful breakfast dish than baked apples, as
valuable property underneath the skin Is, In
this form OF serving the fruit, retained. Fol.
lowing the apple comes the orange, then all
the berries OF the temperate zone. That fruit
Is best which has grown In full sunlight.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

A revival ~ tnSel is threatened. Recent
advices from the French capital are TO the
effect that the display Of gold silver and bead
embroidery upon evening and other drcSsy
toilets is fairly dazzling, Open embroidery
executed in silk upon cashmere T. used 10y
French dressinaliers us trimming for winter
dresses. Some designs extend to almost the
entire depth Of the skirt, but as these are
mounted on substantial undelsklrt OF silk
they are not 80 inappropriate to the season AS
would seem at first thought Folds or plat
Jugs Of Brussels net, with tiny dots or points
of gilt, are used III the neck and sleeves Of
iark dresses.
4 narrow ribbon known as "corDrt' is used
IN prUfusiOu on dresses of tuic.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

where he had hastily constructed fort
which he named Fort Necessity
After several days of skrmishing and
fighting Washington was compelled TO Ca
pitunte, but marched out with drums beat
ing and colors flying. On his return to Nir-
MIA he and his command received the
thanks of the House Of 5urgesses. Differ
ences of opir: IN arising between him and
Governor Dinwiddie, he threw up his COM
mission and returned TO Mount Vernon.
England now declared war against
France, and in the spring Of los General
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

IL. Between Wash
ington, Commander
of the Virginia col
ouy, and Captain
Dagw orth Y, Com.
manIcr Of the Mary
land colony, such a
question arose at Fort
Cumberland in Mary.
Ian | where both had
forces stationed. The
question was referred
to the British com
maujyr-ju-Clirf. Cen
Dstl Shirley, az Boss
ton, and Wash ugton
,,..,s emit "a thou =,
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
WHAT SHALL WE WEAR!
APRONS DESIGNED FOR ORNAMENT
IS WELL AS FOR USE.

Fashions In Walking Boots anu shoes
far ,hc IIou,,-Fayorite styles In Gold
and Gem Set misunderstanding Cos
tunes for Young Ladies.
Bracelets are favorite adornments ut the
present. time. These ornaments are 10y no
means confined to what is known as popu-
lar patronage, but are fashionable among the
creme do la creme, both at home and abroad.
A desirable style of bracelet is shown in our
cut This consists of graduated links OF pol
shed gold until the top of the ornament Is
reached. when the links are richly chased AMI
set with small gems.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

Amer Gilbert Stuart's Painting OF Washington,
Taken from Life In 1895.
ing, and was baptized on the 9Th OF April
following, Mr.. Beverly Whiting and Cap
tain Christopher Brooks, godfathers, and
Mrs. Mildred Gregory. godmother"
This entry is in accordance with the
Julian calendar or old style, in vogue IN
British countries at that time. In li52 the
English Parliament adopted the Grcgoran
Calendar, which we now use, IN which the
22d Of February corresponds with the llth
Of the Julian calendar. As man" people
continued to use the old style, even down
to the beginning of the present century,
and much confusion in dates was caused
thereby, it is likely that the first celcbra-
ton Of Washngton's biz hday on the llth
instead of the nd was due to this cause.
Augustine Washington was twice mar.
ried by his first wife he had four children,
two Of whom, Lawrence and Augustine,
grew to manhood. BY his second wife,
Mary Bail, whom he married March II,
1870, he had SIX children, Of whom the old
est, George, was born on the s2d OF Feb
ruary, li32, on the banks of the Potomac, IN
Westmoreland County, Virginia. The house
IN which the father Of his country was
born was a modest dwelling Of four rooms,
which few years later was burned down.
Augustine Washington had several large
estates, and after the burning OF the Po-
toInac residence he removed TO an estate In
Stafford County, nearly opposite Fredcr.
icksburg and at this place the early years
of George Washington were passed Au-
gustine Washington died III l13, when
George was but eleven years old, and by
his will he left an estate of twenty five
hundred acres ON the Potomac to his eldest
son Lawrence which was atterward called
Mount Vernon.
His second son, Augustine, had the West
moreland Potomac estate and to George
WAS left the home estate on the Rappahau-
mock, while suitable provision was made
for the other children and the widow
Concerning these early years of Wash
in, ton nothing whatever is known, though
much has been invented and conjccturcd.
TIE story of lhc Ratchet and the cherry
tree belongs to this period, and also that of
the garden seed being the creation Of the
lively Imagination Of Mason $, Wecms, a
travelling clergyman, fiddler and book ped
dler, who was the first writer Of life OF
WASHINGTON This book has had an cnor-
nous circulation, AMI for more than eighty
wears has been the first biography of
Washington placed in the hands of AmorI-
can youth,
Wcems was Marylander by birth, but
lived at Dumfrcs IN Virginia, through
which state he Travelled much, preach NJ
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19

Braddock, with force OF British troops,
arrived Ia Virginia b. ca ry on the war and
TO take Fort Duquesne, Attn time Wash
ing,on cndeavorct 20 obtain commission
in the regular army but he diAnot suj-
coed. Knowing WashingtoH's knowledge
OF the country, Braddock Invited him TO
serve on his stan during the campaign, an
oiIcr which he gladly accep'et lie did all
in his power TO avert the disds' crs OF that
memorable campaign, but he was power
less before the olstinncy OF the British
Commander. Brdldock paid for his ob't'
macy of opinion and ignorance Of Indian
warfare with his HE, and IL was Washing
toms knowledge and skill that finally exc
treated and saved the remnant OF the army:
In that battle, though exposed fcarless!y,
he WAS the only one of sixty.five officers
who escaped death or wounds His clothing
was shot in many places, but lac was UNI
hurt.
Unable to obtain commission in the En-
gl,sh army, Washington now accepted the
position OF COMMUNICATIVE Chief Of the Nir
g MIA forces, rendered him 10y the Virginia
Assembly. This position involved no fur.
Their military service of "A general character
but it led 10 one Of the pleasing, but least
known, episodes Of Washing on's life,
Ev ~ colony had a Commander-ln. Chief
and when forces were Joine 1, questions OF
precedence occurred, very Il, III 'ult 10 set
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
Fine Glass md SIlNerWare.

The tendency is TO an association of fine
glassware and silver. Lemonade cwcrs, claret
jugs and water pitchers of glass, with an APP
piled decoration in silver, are instances at
hand \ BEAUTIFUL example is a crystal pitch
er of antique shape overlail with silver open
work representing wild roses and their To-
liage This piece, III point OF fact, is n silver
pitcher, if you please, with glass lining
Very pretty, too, are Bohemian glass salad
dishes and bowls set in silver standards and
edged around the brm with silver.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-02-19
A Warm Bath.

For ninety nine persons out of every hun
drel the best time for warm bath is at
night Immediately before retiring. The re
laxing of the system In warm bath opens
the body for cold, and not few serious re-
suits are brought about by andue exposure
after the bath An excess of bathing, even
In summer. Is more or less facilitating and
therefore ought to bs avoided by persons Of
delicate health.